Tool for moving jaws of printers&#39;-plate clamps.



No: 894,399. PATENTED JULY 28, 1908. H. B. ROUSEK TOOL FOR MOVING JAWS OF PRINTERS PLATE CLAMPS. I

APPLICATION FILED MAR.16, 190a.

PATENT on i,

HARRY B. HOUSE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

TOOL FOR MOVING JAWS OF PRINTERS-PLATE CLAMPS.

To all whom'it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY B. Rouse, citi- Zen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Tools for Moving J aws of Printers-Plate Clamps, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to that class of tools employed for adjusting the jaws of clamps that are employed to hold printers plates in position, and has for its main object the provision of an improved tool whereby the jaws may be more speedily moved than was hitherto practicable.

There are two classes of clamps to which the tool of my invention is especially adapted, a clamp of one class including a rotating shaft in suitable engagement with the base of the clamp jaw, whereby as the shaft is rotated the clamp jaw is moved longitudinally toward or from the plate that is to be clamped in position. In a clamp of this class, the shaft is provided with a head fixed thereupon so that said shaft constitutes a screw, the head being provided with a formation that will enable the application of a tool thereto, whereby the head and the shaft fixed with respect thereto may be rotated to effect the movement of the clamp jaw. The clamp of the other class to which my invention is especially adapted is one wherein there is employed a fixed or non-rotating threaded shaft having a nut in threaded engagement therewith, which upon being turned is adapted to be moved longitudinally of the shaft, the nut being in engagement with the base of the clamp jaw, whereby as the nut is turned the clamp jaw is moved along the shaft, said clamp being for the purpose in sliding relation with the threaded shaft. Generally speaking, there are two styles of clamps included within the first class, that is, that class in which adjusting heads are in fixed relation with the threaded shafts. One of these styles is embodied in a structure in which the shaft, while adapted to rotate, does not move longitudinally, in which case the base of the jaw is in threaded engagement Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 16, 1908.

Patented July 28, 1908.

Serial No. 421,377.

with the shaft; the other one of these styles is embodied in a structure in which the shaft not only rotates but moves longitudinally, in which case the base of the jaw is not in threaded engagement with the shaft but is so associated with the shaft that it will partake of the longitudinal movement of the shaft.

The clamps to which the tool of my invention is adapted may be classified in another way into two general classes, one wherein the adjusting wheel moves with the jaw and the other wherein the adjusting wheel maintains a fixed plane of rotation. Among the clamps of the first of these two classes are those in which the operating wheel has threaded engagement with the shaft and the other in which there is no shaft at all but wherein the block carrying the clamp structure is provided with a threaded channel in threaded engagement with the peripheral portion of the adjusting wheel.

From the foregoing it will be seen that in all cases to which the tool of my invention is adapted, the printers plate clamp includes as a component part thereof, a wheel for effecting the longitudinal movement of the clamp jaw, whether said wheel be fixed with respect to the shaft to cause the shaft to rotate therewith or whether the wheel be in the form of a nut that rotates about the shaft. These wheels having hitherto been provided with radially disposed slots or recesses ac cessible through limited openings in the blocks housing the operating parts of the clamp, elongated pins have been employed for insertion within these radial recesses to effect the rotation of the wheels. It has been customary to provide six radial slots in the wheels that I have described, but the openings through which the wheels were accessible were of such a limited extent that an operating pin could turn a wheel to an angle limited substantially to sixty degrees, it being necessary to withdraw the pin and reinsert it in order to'accomplish each sixth of a revolution of a wheel. It must be apparent to those skilled in the art that this method of adjustment is extremely tedious.

In the tool of my invention I employ an operating wheel whose periphery or perimeter may be temporarily projected into engagement with the periphery or perimeter of a clamp wheel, above described, a suitable support being provided for the tool wheel, there being gearing that would enable the rotation of the tool wheel upon its support, whereby the rapid revolution of the engaged clamp wheel would be effected, thereby saving a vast amount of time in the longitudinal movment of the clamp jaws, as must be apparent when it is borne in mind that printers forms frequently employ as many as three or four hundred clamps each of the kind herein described. IVith the tool of my invention as preferably embodied, the jaw may be moved fifty times as fast as it could be moved by the use of a pin. I

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawing, showing the preferred embodiment thereof, in which- Figure 1 is a sectional elevation, certain parts being shown in complete elevation. Fig. 2 is an end view of the structure shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation on line 4 4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a modification of a portion of the structure illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the modification being adapted to the operation of a specifically different form of register hook. Fig. 6 is an end view of the structure shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view looking toward the rear of the adjusting wheel and its support. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the clamp shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the clamp shown in Fig. 7.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the different figures.

In Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 I have shown a printers clamp that includes a non-rotating threaded shaft a mounted within a suitable block b and having a wheel 0 in threaded engagement with the shaft and in yoke connection with the base of the jaw (Z which is free to slip along the shaft, the aw being shown in Fig. 1 in engagement with the printers plate 6 that is to be clamped in position with the aid of said jaw.

In the construction shown in Figs 5 and 6, I have illustrated a register hook having a shaft f which is capable of rotation and which is mounted within a block I), the said shaft being in threaded engagement with the base of the hook (Z. The operating wheel 0 in the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is in fixed relation with the shaft The hook illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 is now upon the market and forms the subject matter of my application Serial No. 383,009, filed July 10, 1907. In each style of hook illustrated the clamp jaw operating wheel 0 is provided with a plurality of radially disposed slots or recesses g, preferably six in number, these slots or recesses being accessible through the periphery of said wheel. The block b has an opening at its top to permit of the disposition of the aw upon the top of the hook and the connection of the jaw with the base thereof that is within the body I). By the very nature of the device, this opening is rather restricted and permits of the movement of an adjusting pin inserted within a recess 9 that will permit of the rotation of the wheel 0 to an angle of sixty degrees, approximately.

In the tool of my invention I employ an adjusting wheel h which has its periphery or perimeter shaped to suit the perimeter or periphery of the operating wheel 0, whereby rotation of the wheel h will effect rotation of the wheel 0. Inasmuch as I have illustrated the wheels 0 as being provided with radially disposed recesses g, I have illustrated the adj usting wheel h as being provided with teeth 'i, spaced apart to suit the spacing between the recesses g, whereby as the wheel h is rotated, the teeth i successively enter successive recesses g, the wheel 7L being of a diameter that is adapted to open in the top of the block 0 and which permits the adaptation of the teeth 'i to the recesses g. The wheel h is rotatably mounted upon a support 76 which is bifurcated at its lower end, as indicated most clearly in Fig. 7, the lower horizontal margin of the support 7c being adapted to rest upon some portion of the printers form of which the plate clamps form parts.

WVhen the tool of my invention is constructed for operating such plate clamps as are illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the jaws of such clamps are preferably recessed at their ends as indicated at Z (Fig. 3), so that as an adjusting wheel h is rotated it will travel with the jaw and the operating wheel 0, the jaw thus preserving the engagement of the wheels h and c as the wheel 0 travels. WVhere the operating wheel 0 does not travel bodily, as is thecase with the construction illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 9, the block b is provided with some suitable formation whereby the support 7c may engage the same, thereby to hold the wheel ft in proper relation with the wheel 0. This formation may reside in a groove m in the upper face of the block b. The support 1c is recessed at its bottom portion, preferably by the bifurcated formation of the bottom portion of said support, to permit the jaw of the clamp to pass beneath said support in order to permit of a close approach of the jaw to the wheel 0. In other words, the support 7c for the wheel 7L is provided with a formation, one or both legs n, by which the balance of the support is held a sufficient distance above the printers form to enable the jaw to pass beneath said support it.

The support 7c includes a portion 0 which is of U-shape, the element 7c having separable engagement with the balance of the support where it is desired to have the shapes of these parts of the structure different to suit different styles of clamps. The part 7ccan be removed and replaced. The part 7r is supported upon one limb of the U-shaped structure 0, the remaining limb 1' of said structure carrying a roller 8, which may rest upon the plate 6 to be held in position and which is desirably of fiber so that the surface of said plate will not be marred by said roller.

The instrumentality that I prefer to employ for operating the wheel h resides in gearing that includes a pinion tfixed with respect to the wheel h and a gear wheel a that is ournaled at '0 and meshing with the pinion t, said gear wheel a having a handle w by means of which it may be turned, the wheel u thereby being in the nature of a crank or drive wheel. The wheel u is considerably larger than the pinion if, as is apparent from a mere inspection of the drawing.

In the use of the device, the support 1c for the wheel h is firmly pressed upon the printers form, of which the clamps form parts, and while said support is thus firmly pressed in position the wheel a is turned, whereby the operating wheel 0 is turned. If the support it were not adapted to be rested upon the printers form, a rotation of the wheel it would cause said wheel to ride out of en gagement with the engaged operating wheel 0. The support 1c, therefore, is a very important feature of my present invention.

WVhen the device is employed to adjust the sort of clamp illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the wheel 8 will ride over the plate 6 as the jaw d and wheel 7L advance or recede. The teeth of the adjusting wheel h are in the form of sprocket teeth and have been very carefully designed to suit the recesses g.

The elements 7r and s of the support for the adjusting wheel h constitute a broad base of said support, whereby said adjusting wheel is maintained. in its proper plane, which is very desirable, for if the adjusting wheel 7L is removed from its proper plane it is likely to catch so that it may not operate until it is re stored to its proper plane.

While I have herein shown and particularly described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I do not w sh to be limited. to the precise construction shown, as changes may readily be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent the following 1. A tool for turning operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel adapted for engagement with a clamp operating wheel, and. a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be adjusted, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of eflecting the rotation of the operating wheel.

2. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with teeth spaced a art to suit the recesses of the operating whee and a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel.

3. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, and a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the o erating wheel for the purpose of effecting t 1e rotation of the operating wheel.

4. A tool for turning operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel adapted for engagement with a clamp operating wheel, a support for said adj usting wheel adapted to be pressed. upon the printers form including the clamp to be adj usted, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

5. A tool for turning operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel adapted for engagement witha clamp operating wheel, means for preserving the engagement of the adjusting wheel with the operating wheel during the action of the adjusting wheel upon the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

6. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

7. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

8. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

9. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

10. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with teeth. spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, means for preserving the engagement of the adjusting wheel with the operating wheel during the action of the adjusting wheel upon the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

11. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, means for preserving the engagement of the adjusting wheel with the operating wheel during the action of the adjusting wheel upon the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel.

12. A tool [or turning operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel adapted for engagement with a clamp operating wheel, and a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be adjusted, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, the support for said adjusting wheel having a sufficiently broad base to enable it to preserve the adjusting wheel in its proper plane of rotation.

13. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with. teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, and a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, the support for said. adjusting wheel having a sulficiently broad base to enable it to preserve the adjusting wheel in its proper plane of rotation.

14. A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, and a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of eiliecting the rotation of the operating wheel, the support for said adjusting wheel having a sufliciently broad base to enable it to preserve the adjusting wheel in its proper plane of rotation.

15. A tool for turning operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an ad justing wheel adapted for engagement with a clamp operating wheel, a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be ad justed, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a crank wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel, the support for said adjusting wheel having a sulliciently broad base to enable it to preserve the adjusting wheel in its proper plane of rotation.

16. A tool for turning radially recessed op erating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagen'ient with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting wheel, the support for said adjusting wheel having a suthciently broad base to enable it to preserve the adjusting wheel in its proper plane of rotation.

17 A tool for turning radially recessed operating wheels of printers plate clamps, which includes an adjusting wheel provided with. sprocket teeth spaced apart to suit the recesses of the operating wheel, a support for said adjusting wheel adapted to be pressed upon the printers form including the clamp to be registered, whereby the adjusting wheel is maintained in engagement with the operating wheel for the purpose of effecting the rotation of the operating wheel, and a drive wheel in driving relation with the adjusting Wheel, the support for said adjusting Wheel 0la1np-0perating Wheel, and a drive Wheel having a sufficiently broad base to enable it for rotating the adjusting Wheel. 10 to preserve the adjusting Wheel in its proper In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe plane of rotation. my name this 14th day of March, A. D. 1908.

5 18. A tool for turning operating Wheels of HARRY B. ROUSE.

printers plate clamps, which includes an ad- Witnesses: justing Wheel Whose perimeter is adapted for G. L. CRAGG,

driving engagement with the perimeter of a L. G. STROH. 

